Man denies murder of Falmouth driving instructor

Kevin Cooper, aged 33, has entered a not guilty plea to a charge that he murdered a former driving instructor from Falmouth.

The body of 72-year-old David Alderson, from Old Hill was found at Wheal Maid copper mine at Carharrack on January 18, sparking a police manhunt.

Cooper, aged 33, of of Poldory View, Carharrack entered a not guilty plea to the charge of murdering Mr Alderson, whose body was found at the disused Wheal Maid copper mine at Carharrack, on January 18 this year.

Cooper is accused of killing him between January 16 and 19.

Mr Alderson's body was found by a female dog walker at disused mine workings near Carharrack, at 9am on Saturday, January 18. He had suffered “significant” head injuries.

His body was found lying in a shallow pool, close to the main cycling area that is popular with cyclists and dog walkers.

His death was initially thought to be the result of a cycling accident however no bicycle was located in the proximity of Mr Alderson's body

Cooper was arrested in the early hours of this morning of February 5 in the Newbury area by officers from Thames Valley Police.

He has been remanded in custody to appear before the court on November 11 for trial.